Redskins release DE Phillip Merling, K John Potter

The Washington Redskins were granted a one-week roster exemption by the NFL on Tuesday to add linebacker Rob Jackson and defensive lineman Jarvis Jenkins to the active roster.

Both players have finished serving four-game suspensions for using performance-enhancing drugs and are eligible to play in the Oct. 12 game against Dallas.

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The Redskins could have waited to make the eventual necessary moves, but instead chose to release kicker John Potter and defensive lineman Phillip Merling to get back to the 53-player roster limit.

Potter had served as the kicker the previous three games as Kai Forbath recovered from a groin injury. Washington is confident that Forbath will be ready to go against the Cowboys following this weekend’s bye week.

Merling, 28, appeared in three games for the Redskins this season. Potter, 23, kicked in made three of his four field-goal attempts and all seven extra points.